Growing Sugarcane in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Sugarcane. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Sugarcane a suitability score of 74/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 74/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.

74Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorHoma Bay soilSugarcane needsStatus
pH5.275.57Adjust
Nitrogen1.05 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm1,100–2,000 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–1,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3-4 months after planting
Instruction
Apply at grand growth stage when cane is actively elongating. One application is sufficient per ratoon.
Bags per Acre
1

Recommended seed varieties

CO 421Dryland/Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 36–54 tons/acre
Medium staple; high sucrose content; adapted to western Kenya.
N14Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 40.5–58.5 tons/acre
High yielding; good ratoon ability; widely grown in Nyanza and Western.

Economics

Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield in Homa Bay24,975 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 124,875/acre
Adjusted for Homa Bay's 74/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Sugarcane can reach 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag